This is a great little jewel box of a hike, tucked away on the west side of Elysian Park. It’s best enjoyed on a Sunday morning, when freeway traffic to the trailhead is light. You’ll see views of Frogtown and Elysian Valley, the Downtown L.A. skyline, and the beautiful, golden domes of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Echo Park.

The hike is three miles in length.  The route is classified as "easy," with two short, moderately steep uphill sections. Walking surfaces include unpaved fire roads, stony uneven walking paths, and pavement. 

The hike starts at 8:00 AM in the public parking lot next to the Grace E. Simmons Lodge, located off of Stadium Way and Elysian Park Drive. If you’d like to carpool, we will leave from the Village parking lot at 7:30 sharp.  When signing up, please indicate if you can drive a carpool or if you need a ride from the Village lot.

There are bathrooms and picnic tables at the trailhead.  Bring something to drink and a snack and we’ll enjoy a refreshment break after the hike.

Directions

For navigation to the building across from the trailhead parking lot, use this address:  1025 Elysian Park Drive, Los Angeles.

From the 134 Freeway:  Head west to the 2 Freeway South. On the 2, take the 5 South connector, exiting at Stadium Way (before merging onto the 5).  Make a left onto Stadium Way and stay in the right lane.  About 2/3 of a mile later, look for the Grace E. Simmons Lodge sign on the right, and immediately make a right turn onto Elysian Park Drive.  It’s easy to miss, looks like a driveway.  Drive up the road and look for the public parking lot on the left and turn in to park.

From the 110 Freeway: Head south to the 5 North.  Exit the 5 at Riverside Drive and make a left onto Riverside. At Stadium Way, make another left and 3/4 of a mile later, look for the Grace E. Simmons Lodge sign on the right. Make a right and follow the instructions above.  

Contact Jane Hufnagel with any questions.